Meet Lachlan Payne
During my teen years, I attended The Young Actors Studio for over 3 years. This gave me the opportunity to be involved in various theatre productions, short films and many other creative events. I believe the classes and workshops provided by Belinda gives young people the opportunity to grow their confidence and skillset, not only on the stage, but in their day-to-day life. Belinda’s ongoing encouragement and support throughout the years, really did inspire me to constantly ‘Go for Gold’.
Since then, I have graduated from University (SAE Institute, Brisbane) with a Bachelor of Film Production. I now work full time on the Gold Coast in the feature film and television industry as an assistant in the camera department. Recently I have worked on movies directed by Baz Luhrmann, Ron Howard and more. I have also had the pleasure to work alongside brilliant actors such as Tom Hanks, Viggo Mortensen, Colin Farrell, Christoph Waltz, Sam Neil and more.
Meet Aiden Murphy
My journey with Belinda commenced in the esteemed Young Actors Studio, where my passion for the performance craft ignited at the age of… I want to say, ten years old? Due to her tutelage, I became fervently committed and determined to mastering the intricacies requisite of a professional working actor. Thanks to her adept coaching, wealth of experience, and unwavering encouragement, I attained a prestigious 'talent-based' scholarship to the New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts in the bustling metropolis of New York City. At the age of nineteen, I embarked on a journey to pursue an Associates Degree in 'Film and Television Acting.' Upon completion of my studies, I anticipate leveraging my newfound skills to cultivate valuable connections within the film industry, while also exploring avenues for directing and producing my own creative film and theatrical works. Reminiscing fondly on my time at YAS, I cherish the opportunities to participate in local theatrical productions, engage with captivating individuals, gain long-lasting friendships, and manifest my artistic expression in an ambitious, encouraging, and creatively driven environment. I am truly grateful to Belinda for shaping me into the person I am now.
Meet Remi Ferguson
I am a proud Ngemba Yuwaalaraay woman and I was a YAS student 2017-2018; I adored the classes because it was the beginning of realising I wanted to perform. Being a part of YAS encouraged me to pursue theatre as a profession and I’m currently in my 3rd year of a Bachelor of Arts majoring in theatre and performance studies at UNSW, and intending on completing a practical Honours in theatre. I’m currently writing a musical which I wish to put on within the next coming year or so, and have even made contact with creators and performers across the world.
Meet Tayla Rankine
I joined the Young Actors Studio as a tender 9-year-old and avidly attended every week for nearly 10 years, stopping only when I moved away for university at 19. Over the years I have loved every chance to perform in a show, my absolute favourites being Tinkerbel in Peter Pan, Lucy in The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe and Beatrice in Much Ado About Nothing. YAS provided me with a learning environment that perfectly catered to a young, creative mind while also offering opportunities to improve as an actor and build lasting friendships with my ensemble members. I’ve always been overdramatic, but my experience with YAS has solidified my ambition to pursue performing arts and set my passion alight for a life-long career in the acting industry. I’m currently undertaking a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Drama, grateful I had Belinda and the Young Actors Studio helping guide me to where I am today.
Meet Tomas Pocilujko
I was a member of the Young Actors Studio for eight years, and enjoyed every second of it. Among my favourite performances and experiences were as the Wizard in The Wizard of Oz, Don Pedro in Much ado About Nothing and of course starring as Mr. Darling in Peter Pan at the ripe old age of 10. I can honestly say that without YAS classes and Belinda's support and expertise I would not be where I am today. I am currently studying a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Acting at the Queensland University of Technology, preparing me for a life in the performing arts.
Meet Harrison Allen
I was a member of the Young Actors Studio for several wonderful years, during which, lifetime friendships were formed, and my sense of identity established.
With the mentorship of Belinda, I took on memorable roles such as the Mad Hatter in Alice in Wonderland, Grandpa Jo and George in Charlie in the Chocolate Factory, Aslan in Narnia; and Leonato in Much Ado About Nothing.
The experiences and opportunities I was generously given at YAS have been a valuable springboard into my career as an artist, forever holding a piece of my heart- encouraging me to dream big, and work hard to achieve those dreams.
I am currently studying a double degree in Business/Drama at the Queensland University of Technology and directing my second professional stage production which will tour through NSW and Queensland in 2022.
Meet Mitchell Hodges
In 2007 at the Coffs Harbour Drama Eisteddfod, Belinda reached out to me to join YAS. She told me she could see me becoming a professional actor and that was all I needed to hear. I studied at YAS for 3 years and was challenged mentally, physically and emotionally each week alongside some of the best young actors who will be lifelong friends. YAS gave me the skills to not only grow as a performing artist but in the confidence I needed in my day to day life. The training I received at YAS and the constant support from Belinda pushed me to apply for all the tertiary acting degrees around Australia after my HSC. I am now living the dream, successfully entering my second semester at AFTT Sydney (Academy of Film, Theatre & Television). My tutors at AFTT actually studied a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Acting at the Queensland University of Technology with Belinda, it is such a small world. I will forever be grateful for my time at YAS and encourage those wanting to follow the same path to get into a YAS class now!
Matthew Dorahy
I was a member of the Young Actors Studio Ensemble for 4 years and my time at YAS consistently fuelled my passion to follow my dreams, Belinda gave me countless opportunities to push my capabilities and become who I am today, not only is she a well prepared, extremely knowledgeable teacher, but a selfless, inspirational mentor.
My most notable role during YAS, The Evil Stepmother in Take A Bite. An experience like no other. This show was immensely challenging as a vast majority of the show was improvised which taught me to think of my feet faster than ever before. I can guarantee Belinda has many more uniquely groundbreaking ideas brewing for future productions.
Since leaving YAS, I am currently studying a Diploma of Musical Theatre at Brent Street. Where I took on the Male Lead in the Musical ‘Gypsy’ and was able to use several of my learnings from YAS to my advantage, specifically the meticulous Emotion training, which did me wonders and left people asking, “where did you learn that?”
YAS transformed me from a shy teenager with big dreams who just wanted to have fun, into a confident Actor who’s ready to do what it takes to accomplish their dreams.